Aporn Hongkum Carlton

Aporn Carlton, 75, of Gulfport, passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, after a nine month battle with stage four pancreatic cancer. She was the second of 10 children of Gou and Sorn Hongkum, of Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

Aporn worked in gaming on the Mississippi Gulf Coast from 1992 to 2024. Her last employer was Hard Rock Casino-Biloxi, where she was proud to work with her fellow rockers.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Tom Carlton, and children Meena Westford, Tara Westford, Eden Slider (Byron), Badin Phromsiri (Melanie) and Carolyn Peters (Sean). She also raised her youngest brother Paiwan Westford as her own son in the United States. She has seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Her grandson Laird Anderson, 14, and granddaughter Alaina, 1, were able to spend quality time with her as she struggled through her final year on earth.

An avid Thai cuisine enthusiast, Aporn was a beloved cook of Thai food and people raved on her spring rolls and assorted Thai dishes. She donated an abundance of time and energy presenting her homeland's food for various causes on the Gulf Coast. She loved the gaming industry and was a constant contributor to Gulf Coast Tourism. Her smile lit up the rooms of all the casinos where she worked. Aporn also loved her pets, was kind to all animals and as much as anything, it revealed her sensitive heart.

She is predeceased by her parents and one brother.

The family would like to thank the loving care of Enhabit Hospice, especially nurse Alexus, nurse aide Bonnie, Chaplin Diane and social worker Helani. God bless you all and keep up the great work.

Services to celebrate Aporn's life will be held Monday, Nov. 11 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15452 O'Neal Road, Gulfport. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a service from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Aporn’s name can be made to the Hancock Health Foundation’s Mammography Assistance Program, PO Box 2314, Bay St. Louis, MS (hhfms.org). 

Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Aporn Carlton.